Howdy, folks – happy New Year, and a big old Slow Boat welcome to 2018!!!

Hope everybody had a relaxed and enjoyable festive season and a bit of a break, and got to enjoy some of the spectacular weather that the country has been having (it seems to have packed up here now!)

We were open right through, excepting Xmas and New Year’s Days, and saw a whole lot of visitors to the city from across the nation, and across the globe – lots of people pleased to see a real live record store in the flesh. We sold a huge amount of both new and used vinyl, CDs, tee shirts and posters, and were gratified to see the next generation of vinyl enthusiasts getting on board the good ship Slow Boat!

This time two years ago we were mourning the passing of the great David Bowie, and his influence and legacy only seems to grow. 2017 saw the passing of some personal faves, including Glen Campbell and Husker Du sticksman and songwriter Grant Hart – we hope they rest in peace, and our thoughts are with their loved ones.

Some magnificent music was released over the year – not least of which the second album, “Preservation”, from local singer-songwriter Nadia Reid, who played a memorable instore here back in April, kicking off a stellar year that also saw her play on Later With Jools Holland, something also achieved by fellow New Zealanders Aldous Harding, Lorde and Superorganism (featuring members of The Eversons, who also played a SB instore a few years back!)

Looking forward to bringing you more of the best music has to offer in 2018, a few things lining up, including Record Store Day 2018 (21 April) – will let you know when we have news!

Meantime, buckle in, all the best for a bright new year, and hey – only 19 months til Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan!!!